Get the wind
A (long) footnote on Ecclesiastes 1:14, perhaps
Come with me, let’s go get the wind.
You see the way it blows outside, right? I need that strength and energy. Let’s get it.
The wind’s full force catches us when we open the door. Our hair is everywhere. We see the bent trees and the froth on the river. But even if I squint and look from every angle, I can’t see the wind itself.
Let’s run.
We follow the wind, moving as fast as we can as the wind drives us eastward. If we play nice, maybe we’ll see where it lives. We run and run some more. Doesn’t the wind need to catch its breath?
It’s no use; the wind keeps blowing but we’re beat. Does the wind have a destination? A finish line? Where does it rest? And when?
Let’s trap the wind. We try a net, a balloon, a grocery bag, but we can’t finish the job. We hold the bag above our heads in the strongest gust. We take the bag inside, but the bag is empty.
The wind is mighty and relentless. Why can’t we hold onto it? Why won’t it share its power?
We turn our backs on the wind. If it won’t stay with us, we don’t want it here at all. We grab paddles, racquets, and oars, swinging at the wind. It’s still coming; it pays us no attention.
Let’s build a wall. We stack bricks and blocks and stone, wide and tall, and it’s not bad for first-time masons. And, check it out, it’s calm on this side of the wall. Not much breeze here.
But when I walk just ten feet away, the wind is back. I don’t know how, over or around, the wind is here again. Five more feet and it’s as strong as ever. I think I heard laughter as it blew by me.
We put our heads together, and there’s just one more option. We make our way to a nearby cliff. There is no protection here, no trees or buildings or any sort of shield.
The wind is in its full glory, racing along with no resistance. What is it accomplishing? We hold hands and turn toward the west, knowing this is our last chance. We count down together, not sure how this will end. But this is our last idea.
We close our eyes, squeeze hands, and open our mouths. We’re ready. If we can’t capture or chase down or resist the wind, we’ll get the wind inside us. We will drink it in. The air blows into our mouths, cold and dry. We will swallow the wind; surely this will give us what we need.
All is vanity and a striving after wind. (Ecclesiastes 1:14)